It does not say that there must be a NEC. Obviously if there is no
NEC, the part that says the NEC shall maintain a list does not
apply.

And that just circles around to section IV, and a string of additional
"shall" statements getting violated....

I see no violation. What I do see is that an essential element is missing at the top of the "shall pyramid". There is no IC.

"The ZEC shall be elected as follows:"

"The REC shall be elected as follows:"

"The NEC shall be appointed by the FidoNet Net Coordinator (NC) or in such alternative manner as determined by the NC. If a NEC is not appointed within 30 days, the REC will appoint the NEC."

Other than the fact that the IC can register a vote in some of these, it is not
"essential." What is "essential" (there's that "shall" again) is that all of these election/appointment processes are mandated, thus the positions are mandated, thus the list is mandated.

But that is just the clear wording of the document. One might pick and choose which "shall" they like and which "shall" they don't like, as long as they realize that they are not following the policy document they might otherwise try to profess to be following.

--- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Dada-2
* Origin: Prism bbs (1:261/38)